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Sleep Disorders in Children with Rett Syndrome

Christopher Harner1, Thomas A Gaffey2, Shannon S Sullivan3

  • 1College of Science, California State University, Turlock, CA 95382, USA.

Children (Basel, Switzerland)
|July 29, 2025
PubMed

Insights

Rett syndrome (RTT) causes significant sleep disturbances and breathing issues in children. This review details common sleep problems and management strategies for RTT patients.

Area of Science:

  • Neurology
  • Pediatrics
  • Sleep Medicine

Background:

  • Rett syndrome (RTT) is a rare X-linked neurodevelopmental disorder.
  • It is characterized by neurological regression, autonomic dysfunction, and seizures.
  • Sleep and breathing abnormalities are hallmark features of RTT.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review prevalent sleep disorders in children with Rett syndrome.
  • To highlight current management recommendations for sleep disturbances in RTT.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review focusing on sleep disorders in Rett syndrome.
  • Analysis of polysomnography findings in affected individuals.
  • Synthesis of current clinical guidelines for sleep management.

Main Results:

  • Approximately 80% of children with RTT experience sleep disturbances.
  • Common issues include insomnia, sleep-disordered breathing (apnea, hypoventilation, hyperventilation), nocturnal vocalizations, and bruxism.
  • Both obstructive and central sleep apnea are frequently observed.

Conclusions:

  • Sleep disorders are a major challenge in Rett syndrome management.
  • Effective management strategies are crucial for improving quality of life in affected children.
  • Further research into targeted sleep interventions is warranted.

Keywords:
Rett syndromeneurodevelopmental disordersleep disorder

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